Ham and Lima Bean Casserole Recipe - A Classic American Dish

Ham and Lima Bean Casserole

Ham and Lima Bean Casserole Recipe - A Classic American Dish
Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Ham and Lima Bean Casserole
Ham and Lima Bean Casserole

Ham and Lima Bean Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering. This casserole combines the savory flavors of ham, lima beans, corn, and cheese, all baked together in a delicious cornmeal crust.

History

The origins of Ham and Lima Bean Casserole are not well-documented, but it is likely that this dish has its roots in traditional American home cooking. Casseroles have long been a popular way to make use of leftovers and create a satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix together the ham, beans, corn, cheese, onion, and Worcestershire sauce.
  3. Transfer the mixture into a greased 1.5 qt (1.42 liter) casserole dish.
  4. Cover the dish and bake for 15 minutes.
  5. In another bowl, mix together the remaining ingredients. Spoon the mixture over the hot meat mixture, spreading the batter evenly to the edge of the casserole.
  6. Bake the dish uncovered for 20 minutes.
  7. Cut the casserole into wedges.
  8. Enjoy the dish.

Variations

  • Substitute the ham with cooked chicken or turkey for a different flavor.
  • Add diced bell peppers or jalapenos for a spicy kick.
  • Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the ham and lima beans before adding them to the casserole to ensure that they are tender and fully cooked.

- You can customize this casserole by adding your favorite vegetables or seasonings to the mix.

- For a crispy crust, bake the casserole uncovered for the last 20 minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

This casserole is baked in the oven, making it an easy and hands-off dish to prepare.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have lima beans, you can use other types of beans or peas.

- Instead of ham, you can use cooked bacon or sausage.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to add the cornmeal batter right before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the casserole with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This casserole pairs well with a crisp white wine or a cold glass of lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Ham and Lima Bean Casserole contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Ham and Lima Bean Casserole contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Ham and Lima Bean Casserole contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Ham and Lima Bean Casserole contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This casserole is a good source of vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese and milk) and wheat (baking mix and cornmeal).

Summary

Ham and Lima Bean Casserole is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Ham and Lima Bean Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family meal or gathering. With its savory flavors and hearty ingredients, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Ham and Lima Bean Casserole. It was a chilly autumn day, the leaves were falling and there was a crispness in the air that told me winter was just around the corner. I was rummaging through my old recipe box, looking for something warm and comforting to make for dinner. As I sifted through the cards and scraps of paper, I came across a worn and weathered index card with faded handwriting that read "Ham and Lima Bean Casserole."

I couldn't remember where I had gotten this recipe from, but something about it called out to me. I could almost smell the savory ham and creamy lima beans as I read through the list of ingredients and instructions. It seemed like the perfect dish to warm our bellies on a cold evening.

I set to work gathering the ingredients, chopping the ham into bite-sized pieces and rinsing the dried lima beans. As I sautéed the onions and garlic in a skillet, the aroma filled the kitchen and brought back memories of my own grandmother cooking in her cozy little kitchen.

I added the ham, lima beans, and a few other ingredients to the skillet, stirring it all together until it was well combined. Then I transferred the mixture to a casserole dish, sprinkling breadcrumbs on top for a crispy finish. I popped it in the oven and waited anxiously for it to bake to perfection.

As the casserole bubbled and browned in the oven, I couldn't help but think back on all the recipes I had collected over the years. Some were passed down from my own mother, while others I had picked up from friends, cookbooks, and even strangers I had met along the way. Each recipe held a story, a memory, a moment frozen in time.

When the timer finally dinged, I pulled the casserole out of the oven and set it on the table. The steam rose up in wispy tendrils, carrying the delicious scent of ham and lima beans to my nostrils. I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor.

As my family gathered around the table, I served up generous portions of the Ham and Lima Bean Casserole. The first bite was like a warm hug from an old friend, comforting and familiar. The flavors melded together perfectly, the ham adding a salty richness to the creamy lima beans.

My husband and children raved about the dish, each one going back for seconds and even thirds. I couldn't help but smile as I watched them enjoy the meal I had prepared with love and care. It was moments like these that made all the time and effort I put into cooking worth it.

As we sat around the table, sharing stories and laughter, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the recipe that had brought us all together. The Ham and Lima Bean Casserole may have been a simple dish, but it had a way of warming not just our bellies, but our hearts as well.

And so, as I tucked the recipe card back into my worn and weathered recipe box, I made a mental note to pass it down to my own children and grandchildren one day. For a recipe, no matter how simple, has the power to create lasting memories and bring families together in the most delicious way possible.

Categories

| American Recipes | Baking Mix Recipes | Casserole Recipes | Cheddar Recipes | Corn Recipes | Cornmeal Recipes | Egg Recipes | Ham Recipes | Jack Cheese Recipes | Lima Bean Recipes | Milk And Cream Recipes | World Recipes |

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